Lifestyle

Suitcase Rummage Market at Art, Not Apart

Suitcase Rummage is a super cool market concept that’s literally about bringing a suitcase (or two) filled to the brim with all sorts of goodies to sell right from your suitcase! It’s a social and environmentally sustainable market initiative with giant rewards, setting up their suitcases on March 17th in Canberra for Art, Not Apart Festival from 1 pm – 7 pm t Kendall Lane, New Acton.

While wandering through the amazing works of art at Art, Not Apart, you’ll get the chance to also check out some real beauties in the Rummage like clothing, books, jewellery, brilliant vintage, artwork, bric-a-brac, hand-made, shoes, records, music, badges, cards, handmade paper, …… You name it! Come for a bargain, a swap, or an old-fashioned haggle.

If you’re looking to sell, however, you must register to sell your wares, so please register here. The dates for the upcoming Rummages this year (after the 17th of March) are May 5th October 6th and December 1st.

We wanted to know who and what was behind this unique, cool, sustainable market idea so we caught up with the Suitcase Rummage staff to find out.

RA:What inspired you to start the Suitcase Rummage markets?

SR: A gap in the market. The idea was born over a cup of tea between friends and Suitcase Rummage co-founders Daniele Constance and Isabel FitzGerald. They were becoming frustrated with how the market culture was shifting to one that favoured mass produced items and expensive stall fees.

Daniele fused her love for vintage suitcases, social connectivity and a creative community by coining the term ‘Suitcase Rummage’ and the mini market was born.

RA: What’s your philosophy on sustainability and the circular economy?

SR: We really love the ‘Know Your Product’ approach. Before purchasing something we ask ourselves: Where did it come from? Who made it? Is it recycled, up-cycled, pre-loved? Will it be loved by someone else in the future? Where will it go? How long will it last?

We are also big fans of the DIY and DIWO movement (Do It Yourself or Do It With Others).

Do I need it? Can I use something I already have? Can I fix or repair it? (and if I can’t, is there someone else who can?) Can I borrow it? Can I buy it second hand?

If I need to buy it new, is it locally made? What materials is it made from? Is there a sustainable alternative? (look for natural materials) etc.

And when our personal journey with an object is at an end – Suitcase Rummage it! Sell it, swap it, donate it, gift it, upcycle it.

RA: Do you have any hopes, community goals or ideal outcomes for the market, present or future?

SR: Yes! Total systematic change! We really want to help people understand how they can participate in positive social change. How they can help nurture a new way of living. How they can help combat climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction by making simple informed choices that have a positive impact.

We really believe that we can help provide an opportunity for people to learn how to vote with their dollar, fight fast fashion, shun consumer culture and murky supply chains. And have a bit of fun while doing it.